Buying Leroy Fer is a statement of intent from success hungry Everton

The bullish Dutch international could be a key component in a Champions League and FA Cup assault from Everton in 2013. The fact they have stumped up the cash shows they may have a killer instinct this campaign.

Everton have gazumped many a pundit after snapping up an out-of-the-blue deal for Dutch international Leroy Fer from FC Twente Enschede. While Moyes had made some noise about potential incomings a deal to the tune of £8.5 million was not entirely what everyone was expecting.

In the past Moyes has always had a knack for spending his money wisely, as long as you disregard names such as Per Kroldrup or Diniyar Bilyaletidinov from his record. The likes of Phil Jagielka, Maraoune Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic have all proven to be astute acquisitions by the Scot and his latest purchase is a real gauge of the intent he has for Everton this season. He wants silverware and thinks he can snatch fourth place in the process.

On paper you would have to say Everton have never looked better placed to snatch that fourth qualifying spot for the Champions League with the added reinforcement of Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas appearing key in the teams step up in class.

However injuries have taken their toll in recent weeks which has exposed the limitations of a side lacking adequate depth. What he has done in the signing of Leroy Fer is brought in cover in a number of positions.

Affectionately known as ‘The Bouncer’ due to his outstanding physical presence he is a similar player to Phil Jagielka when he first arrived at Goodison Park; in that he is reliable in a variety of positions. While the centre of midfield is certainly his best position and where he has most recently been used he is equally adept at covering the right-back position, centre back and playing in the more advanced midfield role in the same way as Maraoune Fellaini has excelled on Merseyside.

Essentially he has brought in a Swiss Army Knife to bolster his arsenal at the club; but not a broken down rusty old one or an imitation but one with real pedigree. This season he has started to rediscover his best form; which resulted in a recall for the Dutch national team two years after making his one and only cap against Ukraine.

Adding top quality cover to a variety of positions has come at a price; a price Everton have not been prepared to pay in the past but it is an indicator of just how well Moyes believes this season can go.

Is Leroy Fer’s arrival the final piece toward Everton’s Champions League and FA Cup push?

Mathew Nash

I’m Mathew Nash a 27 year old graduate in Sports Studies and I have an insatiable love for sport. With a particularly keen interest for the madcap world of football I have always been known amongst friends as a beacon for bizarre sporting trivia and knowledge. My other passion is for writing and hopefully combining the two will create a superb and entertaining marriage that will create, divide and share opinion.Mathew is a correspondent for the NextGen Series, Ligue 1 and Primeira Liga.